father and son playing ball outside their house
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Ultimate Guide to Conventional Mortgage Loans

While finding the right loan for your home purchase can feel overwhelming, a conventional mortgage offers most buyers the clearest path to homeownership. By combining flexibility with competitive rates, a conventional loan is often the most appealing choice for those ready to buy.   In this guide, we’ll help you unravel the ins and outs of…

AmeriSave Mortgage 5/1 ARM Loan
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5/1 ARM vs. 5/6 ARM: Key Differences

With home prices and interest rates remaining high, more home buyers are looking for ways to lower their monthly mortgage payments. That’s where adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) come in.   A 5/1 ARM and a 5/6 ARM both start with a fixed interest rate for the first five years, followed by periodic adjustments. But what happens after…

Happy family celebrating making a down payment on their new home
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Using Gift Money for a Down Payment on a Home

For many aspiring homeowners, especially those eager to become first-time buyers, the dream of owning a home can feel just out of reach. Until a generous gift changes everything, that is. Whether a family member wants to help you build your future or you’re considering asking for support, gift money for a down payment can…

Homeowner calculating home equity loan with papers and calculator
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Borrowing Home Equity: What’s Ideal for You?

Rising home values in 2022 and into 2023 have contributed to overall market volatility and made it more challenging to be a buyer. However, this real estate market has proven to be a boon to many homeowners who are content to stay put. That’s because higher home values mean they have more equity than ever….

Family celebrating moving into their new home.
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9 Tips for Buying a House With High Interest Rates

Buying a home in a high-interest-rate environment requires careful planning and strategic decision-making. Despite these challenges, there are effective strategies to navigate this market and achieve your homeownership goals. Whether you’re considering adjustable-rate mortgages, shorter-term fixed-rate loans, or exploring other financial options, understanding how to manage in this environment can make all the difference. Anyone…

Happy family entering their new home after a successful mortgage buydown
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What is a Mortgage Rate Buydown and How Does It Work?

For some prospective homebuyers, rising interest rates might make it feel like the dream of homeownership is slipping away. The good news is that even in a high-rate environment, you have multiple strategies to help you lower your interest rate or the total cost of your loan. One such strategy is the mortgage buydown. Mortgage…

Credit Affects Mortgage Rates

How Credit Score Affects Mortgage Rate?

Let’s give credit where it’s due – to you. You’re here because you’re looking into how your credit score affects your ability to buy or refinance a home and to understand how your credit can impact the rates you’re offered. Understanding how credit affects mortgage rates is crucial, as it’s one of the primary factors…

Home Appraisal Process

Everything to Know About a Home Appraisal

Understanding how home appraisals work may not be on everyone’s list of burning questions, but if you’re buying, selling, or refinancing a house, it should be at the top of your mind. There’s a whole host of questions that come with this process: what to expect, costs involved, and what’s in the appraisal report. We’re…

woman thinking about mortgage refinance options

When Should You Refinance Your Mortgage

Is now the right time to refinance my mortgage? Maybe. There are compelling reasons to refinance, especially with rising home values and low interest rates. Whether it’s right for you depends on your financial situation. Let’s explore the benefits and factors to consider before making this significant financial decision. Reasons homeowners refinance and what to…